BSRIA disappointed by government announcement

BSRIA has declared its displeasure with the government announcement that small-scale solar energy subsidies are set to finish.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) is consulting on plans that would see subsidies for some new solar farms close by 2016.

BSRIA is calling for ‘a level playing field’ for solar in relation to nuclear energy and fracking in terms of subsidies and with regard to planning regulations.

Under the government's plans, so called ‘small scale"’ solar farms will no longer qualify for support under a key subsidy mechanism – the renewables obligation – from April next year. The government says the move is necessary to protect consumers – who support renewable energy through their energy bills – and is set to rise in the coming years above agreed levels.

Subsidies for large scale solar farms were cut in January. New projects that receive the subsidy may also see the level cut.

Government of Nova Scotia approves request from Atlantic Industrial Services to dispose of a further 5 million litres of treated hydraulic fracturing wastewater. Lafarge will use the water as a coolant for its kiln at the Brookfield cement plant, where it will be evaporated at 700 °C.